INFLUENZA

Evening Star, Issue 16912, 9 December 1918, Page 4

INFLUENZA

OTAGO FIGURES ABOUT THE SAME. EXPECTED TO LOWER TOMORROW. TWO HOSPITAL WARDS CLEARED. Dr Fans, district health officer, is much bettor, and, though still confined to his residence, was able to control tho office business to-day. Tho notifications reported to him this morning were: Waitaki 3, Otago 9, Southland 6, a total of 18, but it is probable that others arc in the post. Some of the restrictions still in force may be lifted before tho week is out. Meanwhile things stand as they were on Saturday. It is observed that the most serious cases in this epidemic have been of persons from 18 to 40 years of age. The inhalation chamber in Water street is still steadily patronised, putting through an average of 30 or 40 pe£ hour. THE HOSPITALS. Dr Bowie, after his rounds this morning, seeing every patient, mads up tho following statement: —Main Hospital.— Dangerously ill ... ... 17 Seriously ill ... ... ... 38 Moderately ill ... 38 Total ... ... ... 93 —Knox Auxiliary.— Seriously ill ... ... m 1 Moderately ill ... ... ... 13 Convalescent ... «.■ ... 48 Total 62 —Hanover Street Auxiliary.— Seriously ill ... ... 2 Convalescent- ... «.« ... 28 Total 30 Tho aggregate is 185, or three more than on Saturday. SIGNS OP THE END. There were only two admissions for tho 24 hours up to noon to-day, and but three deaths. It will bo observed that the convalescents nro increasing in number, and that they are definitely improving is shown by the declaration of Dr Bowio that ho hopes to be able to discharge quite a number to-morrow, and more the next day. The doctor added in his statement to our reporter; “So convinced are we that tho trouble is ended, that wo are taking measures to bring tho Dunedin Hospital to its normal condition for general cases. The Houghtofc Ward is quite emptied, also tho Dominion Ward, and they are to be at once disinfected and thoroughly cleansed, the walls and ceilings washed, the mattresses freshened, and so forth, and wo hope to have this work finished by Friday of this week. Though anxious to prepare these wards for their ordinary use, we are going to take every care to make the renovation thorough, so wo are not hurrying the overhaul.” CENTRAL BUREAU. Thought the situation shows continued improvement, it is considered advisable to k-eep open the V.A.D. department for this week at any rate. The necessity for so doing is emphasised by the fact 'that the central and sub-bureaus are attending in all nearly 1,500 eases. Another Chinese resident, Shing Lee, has forwarded a welcome donation, consisting of a large supply of vegetables. It is thoiicht probable that a homo for convalescent women will be opened in the course of a few days at some seaside resort tor tho accommodation of women who are in need of a change and rest before resuming their household duties after their illness. It is desired that tho public should clearly understand that the medical department at the bureau has now closed down, and that all calls for medical assistance must be made direct to tho regular doctors.

At the request of Mr King, Dr Chamntaloup has sent _Mr IV. J. Dickel (student' to assist Dr Lindon with liis patients in South Dunedin.

Keen regret is expressed by all workers at the bureau tins morning at the death of Mr John Reid, which took place on Saturday. Mr Reid had been an indefatigable worker, first in the relief department, and aitcrwards in tho medical department, right from the start of tho epidemic. Like the late Mr Anderson, ho has given his life in fighting for tho lives of others. Tie money donations to the relief fund now total just on £1,700. Among the latest amounts received arc the following ; —P.S. £6, Mr W. W. Menzies £5 ss. ORANGES AND LEMONS, _ All the oranges and lemons, as they arrive in New Zealand, ara promptly commandeered by tho police, and Captain Dobson has taken the supplies that have been coming to Dunedin, handing them ovcj> to tho Central Bureau for judicious distribution. Fiity-fivc cases of lemons came to hand on Friday, and 50 cases of oranges are duo about Wednesday. OTHER ITEMS. In response to an urgent call from Auckland, Dr Montgomery and Messrs O. J. Campbell and A. S. Gray (students) left by the first express this morning en route for Suva (Fiji), where the epidemic has assumed a serious aspect. The Roslyn and Kaikorai cars are almost bad; to normal, oxetpt that until tho places of amusement reopen the last cars will continue to leave town at 10 p.m. On each service one man has yet to return to duty. There were 24 military funerals in Dunedin during tho epidemic Our Clyde correspondent wires:—Tho infl nenzn epidemic is apparently almost a thing of tho past. A great majority of the sufferers have returned to work. Sergeant M'Glone, ono of the latest cases, is now making splendid pogress. P.S.S.A. During the epidemic 21 children have been received into the homes of tho Presbyterian Social Service Association. Several were arranged for elsewhere. Eight lads were sent to situations in tho country. Out of more than ICO working lads in town and country, and about 60 more under control, but residing with friends, only one death has been reported. All the rest are well. WAIMATE IVAM'S RESTRICTIONS REMOVED. [Pc?. United Press Association,] WAIMATE, December 9. There were two deaths from influenza yesterday. There have been no fresh admissions. Seven of tho Morven V.A.D.s are down. The hospital superintendent says there are still many mild cases in tho country districts. The retailers mot today, and resolved to resume ordinary shop hours, also to ask the Health Officer to lift tho hotel and tea room restrictions. A MINISTERIAL STATEMENT. GOOD WORK APPRECIATED. THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTRIBUTION. [Per United Press Association,] WELLINGTON, December 9. Speaking at a meeting of Wellington North workers in the influenza epidemic, the Hon. G. W. E-nsscll thanked those who had worked so hard, and who, hj& said, had displayed endurance equal to anything seen on tho battlefield. Tire Health Department was not perfect, but the experience gained would enable it bo produce a body of trained fighters to combat any future epidemic. Mr .Russell said the departmental officers told him that disease came in waves; first a big ono ; then smaller ones,

lessening each time. He believed that New Zealand had now finished with the big wave, thanks to the noble work of the men and wom'en—especially the women —who had nursed the sick and helpless back to health. The fight had cost a lot of money, but Parliament would probably vote £IOO,OOO towards expenses, and if any further money were required he was going to ask for authority to draw on the unauthorised expenditure account. Provision would be made for the little ones who had lost their parents, and they would be given every chance to become good citizens. ROYAL COMMISSION TO BE SET UP. MINISTER COURTS FULLEST INQUIRY. [From Ona Pari.iament.vri Reporter.] WELLINGTON, December 9. The Prime Minister announced to the House that the Government had decided to appoint a Royal Commission to inquireinto the circumstances in connection with the epidemic, although ho was not vet -able to state the personnel. Ho added that the inquiry would bo as exhaustive as possible, as the matter was one of urgent importance, and, the Government wanted tho public to_ have the whole information to bo obtained regarding precautions against a future outbreak, into all matters connected with the arrival of tho Niagara and the Makyira in New Zealand in relation to tho epidemic, and into the administration of 'tho Public Health Department and its relations to local authorities in different parts of tho Dominion. The Minister of Public Health said he had asked the Government to set up a Royal Commission to make a thorough inquiry into The position. Ho had nothing to hide, and- ho invited the most open criticism regarding everything that had been done. IMPROVING AT CHRISTCHURCH. CHRISTCHURCH, December 9. The position in regard to the influenza outbreak is improving rapidly’, the hospital returns show 7 four admissions from Friday at midnight till noon to-day, and no deaths. Tho Sunday tram service was run yesterday for the first time for several wrecks. WEST COAST. GREYMOUTH, December 9. Influenza is still prevalent. There have been five deaths since Friday. All the cases in tho Technical School have been removed to the main hospital. The 14 inmates at St. Columba Club aro all doing well, with the exception of a few cases. On the Otira line there are - some mild cases. There is no pneumonia on tho Reefton line. The weather is still unsettled and very wintry 7.